Indebted – Part 60

“Had a rough day, sorry for pouring it all on you. All good now. Sweet Dreams, we will talk later.” Geet slept with a smile, finally finding some relief.

A touch of sadness lay in Geet’s heart as she realized that Maan mistook her busy schedule for indifference, interpreting her inability to answer his call as her show of anger. Maan believed she was less sincere in her commitments.

Geet once again decided to strive harder – for her dad, her family, and to ensure Maan’s faith in her sincerity.

But then, she looked at his love-filled emojis. Kissed them and closed her eyes.

********

Four months went by with Maan and Geet both consumed by their respective responsibilities. Geet was focused on restoring her family’s business, while Maan was busy expanding his. His schedule was tightly packed with tours and meetings, keeping everyone, especially those at the head office, on their toes. The targets he set for each department were aggressive, which created a ripple effect throughout the organization.

Sameera was not exceptional; she had to work diligently and sincerely to earn her boss’s trust through her dedication. She was very meticulous in keeping his calendar up to date, preparing and sending meeting notes, and handling messages—sending, receiving, and delivering them. She made sure that when Maan entered his office, everything was in order so he could focus on his work.

It took a while, but finally Maan acknowledged her sincerity. After a month of her joining, she was allowed to accompany him to his meetings, both onsite and offsite, within the town.

She was now also allowed to arrange his office before he entered, but all drawers would be locked with no access. Also, the security cameras were all around, and his security team was top-notch. Maan did not have to worry much.

But as a couple of more months passed, Sameera gained more trust of her boss and she did work to make his task organized. Maan was going for a business tour to Australia when he asked her

“Do you have any restrictions on traveling abroad? ” Sameera was more than excited to get this unexpected invitation. But she masked her expression

“When I got this job, I signed the contract that I am fine with travelling. And if it’s needed for me to make your job smooth, I am always ready.”

“True professional, I like it.” Maan gave her a smile, and before leaving the room

“The travel team will get in touch with you.” That was the opportunity Sameera needed. She presented herself as a true professional within the team.

Initially, Maan invited her to join the team. As he gained confidence in her abilities, he began to ask her to organize quick tours, and she would join him even when there was no team there. And then at the business party, as his assistant and then mostly seen with him at different occasion.

Any event pictures of Maan recently had Sameera around him.

One Sunday morning, Maan out of his busy schedule, was having breakfast with family

“Maan, I know you have big responsibilities, but you also have family son”

“Did, I miss any of my family responsibilities Dadima?”

“Not to us, but Geet. You both are newly married and you decided to have distant relationship.”

“Dadima, I don’t want to repeat myself. It was always the plan, but you forced us to get married. I was training Geet so that she could help her family business get a strong foothold, and in her family, it’s only she who can do it. Aur yahan reh kar to kar nahi sakti thi woh yeh sab. And for this very reason, I left all my work and gave us a full two months, a month of honeymoon and then a month at her place.”

“Fine. I am not negating it, but then it has been four months, you have not gone to meet her once. And you have also placed restrictions on her. I see how madly she loves you. I feel bad that I once doubted her. But you should not stretch a thread to an extent that it ultimately breaks.”

“Dadima, Geet, and my love are strong enough to weather any storm. Should I fear this one-year distance?”

“It’s not just about distance; having one girl constantly by your side at all the business events can hurt Geet.”

Maan laughed and shook his head “She is my assistant and bound to be by my side in business meetings and events.”

Be careful; people may start talking, and I sense things can go in a different direction. If she is your assistant, keep her in the office. Why does she need to attend events and tours?

“The reason I am Maan Khurana and have reached this stage is that I think differently. I didn’t hire an assistant just as a showpiece. Things can escalate quickly, and the media can sensationalize anything. Do you really think, Dadima, that if I focus on these distractions, I can achieve anything? You have always believed in me, Dadima. What has happened to you?”

“Maan, you have a distant relationship with your newlywed wife. If news spreads about you being at various events with your assistant, who is young, smart, and beautiful, do you realize how Geet will feel about that?”

Geet will be completely fine. You can relax because next week is her birthday, and I will be with her for a few days.

“You are going to Geet? I am happy. Did you have a talk with her?”

“Dadima, Jaan hai woh meri. I can’t survive without talking to her. But she gets emotional, starts missing us together. I have to keep it strong.”

Maan stood up after finishing his breakfast and the discussion. But before leaving,

“And just because a girl is beautiful and smart, she should be deprived of job opportunities? Yeh to koi baat nahi hui na Dadima”

Maan was in his room, reflecting on Dadima’s words. Not regarding Sameera but Geet. It has been around two weeks since they last talked. But he is content that Geet has understood his point and is completely focused on her work. Though he was not very happy with his own behaviour. Too strict, giving lectures and always asking her to be better, etc.

“Dadima is right, she must be missing her Maan.” He himself was missing her lovey-dovey and sweet talks. Maan decided to bring some change in her mood and then he will give her a surprise next week, making up to her.

But it doesn’t always work as per Maan’s mood

It was evening hours for Geet and she was preparing for her meetings with investor. Whole day working at home also made her mind drift towards her talk with Maan two week before

Maan loves her, and she knows it. However, his constant focus on work and its progress makes her long for the Maan who used to pamper her and shower her with endless love. Since they are in a long-distance relationship, she craves warmth in their conversations and misses the lighthearted, meaningless talks they used to have. Lately, Maan seems to want their discussions to be only meaningful.

Maan cannot be wrong; her Maan is always right. He knows how to handle situations, while she does not, so she shouldn’t take it to heart. Besides, as Maan always explains to her, it’s just a matter of a year that will pass quickly.

“Focus, Geet, focus. This year, you need to help Dad and prove to Maan that you’re not childish. Maan doesn’t appreciate childish talk anymore. The other day, when I mentioned that girl in the pictures with him, he got really irritated. He thought I was being jealous and immature. From now on, I will only discuss work and show him that I am sincere and dedicated. It’s difficult to control your emotions, but Geet, you have to. If he prefers it this way now, then let it be. “Lately, she has been reminding herself of this every day and has kept focus solely on her work.”

Geet was intensely focused on her work. She used it as a way to conceal her hurt. She tried to adapt to Maan’s new ways. Suddenly, she received Maan’s call.

“Hello Jaan,” came Maan’s sweet greeting, surprising Geet a little.

“Hello. How are you?”

“This plain? busy?” he asked

But Geet has methoded what Maan likes to hear these days

“I am doing well, just a little occupied. Tomorrow, there’s an important meeting with an investor that I need to prepare for. So, I have been busy ensuring that everything is in order.”

“Great, I know you will be doing great. I am so proud of you. I am missing you so much Jaan”

“I am always missing you. How are things going at work? I saw that you have signed two major deals. Congratulations and best wishes! I am so proud of you.” Geet genuinely praised him

Everything is good. Work is busy, and yes, we are aggressively targeting the market. However, these things will continue. Right now, I simply miss you and just want to hold you in my arms.

I always miss you and am working hard to make you proud. Just one more round of looks at the final presentation, and then we should be good. This is a big investor.”

“Not good. Pati yahan romantic ho raha hai and you are thinking about the investor.”

“Hmm, if I mess up and cannot get the investor, you will be the first one to tell me, I need to focus more.”

“Geet, naraz ho?” Maan asked not feeling the same warmth that she generally carries around him

“Never. Just trying to work hard so that aap naraz na ho mujhse. Just once, I have to check everything.”

“Okay, I won’t disturb you further. All the best! On a lighter note, there is an investor you can always approach. ” He said with a teasing tone.

“I know” Geet said

“okay bye”

Geet got back to her work. She knew how Maan’s brain worked. He can have fun because he is perfect. But to match his expectations, she cannot get into his mood swings flow.

Maan, on the other side was lost in thoughts

“Is Dadima right? Am I pushing Geet a little too much? I love you, darling; I just want us to be free of these responsibilities. You are and will always be my baby.”

But the plainness in Geet’s voice when he simply wanted to shower her with sweet words, hit Maan

It’s okay. I will plan a surprise birthday week visit to her and show her, once again, how she is my world.

A successful week passed for Geet. They secured two major investors and planned to restart a couple of projects.

It was next Saturday evening; Geet was in her room, busy with her work.

Brij and the whole family were downstairs when Brij got a call

“Yes, Maan. All is set here. Geet is in her room, and I have handed her the important files so she will not be out anytime soon”

“Okay, I am coming in.” And Maan entered the house and hugged Brij, Meera, yash and picked Aarav in his arms and squeezed him

“Leave mee..” the little boy shouted. Meera immediately took him “Shhhh… you don’t want Maasi to know. Remember surprise”

Aarav looked around. “Where’s the surprise?” Meera pointed to Maan

“He is the surprise.” “He is the surprise?” Aarav hit his head

Maan took blessings from Rano and Mohinder. Mohinder hugged him

“Go meet her first. We will see you tomorrow,” Said Mohinder.

“Hmm… now what’s our use? She will take care,” teased Rano

Maan hurried upstairs, quietly pushing the door open and slipping inside.

Uff… there she was — his baby, lost in her files. He moved closer, careful not to make a sound, until he was right behind her.

Geet was deep in her Excel sheet, focused on her plans, when she suddenly felt a firm, familiar embrace — confident, the one that owned her, and that intoxicating scent, she could never mistake.

“Maan!!” she gasped, turning to find the face she longed for. In the very next moment, she was on her feet, wrapping her arms around him even tighter, gluing herself to him.

At that moment, Geet forgot everything. Maan was there or not in reality; she just wanted to live this moment

“Are you really here?” she asked, her lips moving in the crook of his neck

“Jaan, I am truly here and completely for you.”

Geet grasped his arms tight and she snuggled more into him, her forehead resting against his chest. What if she leaves him and he disappears? That badly she had been missing him, but kept all bottled up inside her.

Maan could feel her melting into his arms like a wax statue as he wrapped his hand around her, telling her – he was right there with her.

Maan tried to create some distance to look at her, hoping she would see the longing in his eyes. However, Geet did not budge; she was not ready for even a moment apart.

“Jaan, dekho toh.” Geet shook her head, “I just want to feel you.”

Maan smiled and turned her so her back rested against the wall. They stayed there for a long time, sharing silence; no words were needed, just their breaths communicating alongside their heartbeats. Maan intertwined his fingers with hers, giving her the space she needed. Slowly, he moved his hand upward, tracing her arms and melting her with the gentlest touch.

And when Maan placed his finger on her chin to lift her face, her face was wet with tears. It was then that he realized his chest was already soaked with her tears.

“I am sorry, Jaan, to make you go through all this,” he said, lifting her face and making her ultimately look into his eyes.

“You shouldn’t feel sorry. It was necessary.” A deep rush of guilt swept over Maan when Geet made no complaint. He felt guilty for not trusting her, especially after telling her that he did. If he had truly trusted her, he would have allowed her the freedom to do things her way. Instead, he forced his approach on her, making her act like him, and labeled her as childish when she didn’t.

He loved her childishness, stubbornness, and the way Geet would complain, always claiming her rights over him in some way. Today, there were no complaints from her side that bothered him. Filled with emotions, Maan lifted her face and pressed his lips against hers, nibbling and sucking gently before forcing his tongue inside her mouth to express his love. He wanted to show her just how much she meant to him—how she was everything to him.

Geet had already melted at his sudden presence and now nestled in his embrace. She surrendered herself to let him take the lead.

Precap –

Maan-Geet dynamics

Insight into Sameers